What Is a Schedule of Finishes and When Is It Needed for Council?

A Schedule of Finishes is a document that outlines all external materials and colours proposed for a development.

It typically includes walls, roofs, windows, doors, fences, driveways and paint finishes.

For many development types in NSW, this schedule is a mandatory part of the DA approval process.

At Town Planning Sydney, our planning consultants regularly prepare these schedules as part of our drafting and design service to ensure council approval runs smoothly.

Why do councils require a Schedule of Finishes?

Local councils use this document to assess whether your proposed development aligns with the local character and streetscape.

It helps planning officers visualise the final appearance of your project.

For example, if you're building a duplex in a low-rise residential zone, your materials and colours need to blend with existing housing.

Our planning advice ensures your Schedule of Finishes aligns with NSW planning controls such as the DCP and LEP.

When is a Schedule of Finishes required?

A Schedule of Finishes is usually required when lodging a development application for new dwellings, dual occupancies, townhouses or mixed-use developments.

It may also be needed for significant alterations and additions.

Some councils request this document under Complying Development, especially near heritage sites or in conservation areas.

Recently, we prepared a Schedule of Finishes for a three-townhouse development in the Hills Shire.

Our planning consultant ensured it met council's colour palette and material guidelines, helping to secure fast DA approval.

What details should the schedule include?

The Schedule of Finishes must clearly list each visible external element with its corresponding material and colour.

This typically covers:

• Roof material and colour (e.g. Colorbond steel in 'Basalt')

  
  

• Wall finishes (e.g. brick veneer in 'Natural Earth' or rendered surfaces)

  
  

• Windows and doors (e.g. aluminium frames in 'Black Satin')

  
  

• Balustrades, privacy screens and pergolas

  
  

• Driveways and footpaths (e.g. exposed aggregate concrete)

  
  

• Fencing and gates

  
  

• Garage doors and letterboxes

  
  

As part of our DA drafting service, we ensure the schedule is fully coordinated with your architectural plans

How does it support your DA approval?

A well-prepared Schedule of Finishes gives councils and neighbours a clear picture of what the finished development will look like.

This transparency reduces objections and shows you’ve considered the visual impact of your proposal.

Where required, our planning consultant can make prompt revisions to address council feedback.

One recent example involved a DA in the Inner West where council raised concerns over clashing façade colours.

We revised the Schedule of Finishes with a new colour scheme and referenced similar approved developments in the area.

This helped secure council approval without changes to the overall building design.

Who should prepare it?

Although a homeowner or builder can draft one, a professional planning consultant understands what councils expect.

Town Planning Sydney offers integrated town planning and design services to ensure every Schedule of Finishes meets local requirements.

We provide accurate, consistent documentation that supports your development application and avoids unnecessary delays.

Whether you’re building a new home or managing a multi-unit development, our team will guide you through the NSW planning process from start to finish.

Getting your Schedule of Finishes right the first time saves time, money and stress.

That’s why so many clients trust Town Planning Sydney for expert planning advice and fast council approval.